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What is VVT and Do I Have It? Chevy LS Guide

Chevy

How to tell whether your LS engine has Variable Valve Timing, and why the VVT timing cover changes your accessory drive options.

What is VVT?

If you're building or swapping a Chevy LS engine, one of the first things you need to determine is whether your engine is equipped with VVT, Variable Valve Timing. It matters more than you might think when it comes to your front accessory drive.

VVT (Variable Valve Timing) is an automated system used to adjust valve timing on LS engines based on current driving conditions. It improves efficiency and power across different RPM ranges. GM implemented VVT on various LS engines from 2007 to 2015.

Why Does It Affect Your Accessory Drive?

The VVT system requires a different timing cover than non-VVT engines, and that timing cover sticks out further, which can create major interference issues when upgrading your front-end accessory drive system.

LS VVT timing cover compared with the standard LS timing cover

The VVT timing cover (left) is distinctly different from the standard cover (right). This difference in geometry is what causes fitment challenges with aftermarket accessory drive systems.

Your Options

When upgrading your front accessory drive on an LS with VVT, you have two paths:

Swap out the timing cover: Many builders replace the VVT timing cover with a standard LS cover. This is common, but it's not always necessary or desirable, there are real performance benefits to keeping the VVT system.
Keep the VVT and use a compatible kit: CVF Racing's Mid-Mount LS Wraptor™ is fully compatible with VVT. Simply select the VVT option when configuring your kit and you're good to go, no timing cover swap required.

How to Tell If Your LS Has VVT

The easiest way is to look at the front of the engine and compare the timing cover to the image above. If you can't physically inspect the engine, check the RPO (Regular Production Option) code on your build sheet or door jamb sticker. The following RPO codes came standard with VVT:

Displacement	RPO Codes with VVT
4.8L	L20
5.3L	LC9, LMG, LH9, LMF
6.0L	L76, LY6, LC8, L96
6.2L	L92, L94, L99, LFA, LZ1

Still not sure? Give our free tech support team a call at 651.356.8593, we'll help you identify what you have and get the right kit configured for your build.